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(1) Background: The aim of this review was to identify and summarize adverse cardiovascular health events associated with the simultaneous consumption of energy drinks (ED) and alcohol. Potential prevention strategies and the implementation of research toward the underlying mechanisms for these pathologies were highlighted to emphasize the need for further investigation and to encourage more attention to this field. (2) Methods: The PubMed database was searched for case reports linked with adverse cardiovascular events after simultaneous ED and alcohol consumption. Inclusion criteria were: the reported age of the patient is between 16 and 35 years and confirmed co-consumption of EDs and alcohol. All relevant articles that met the inclusion criteria were fully read and all relevant data was extracted. The extracted data was summarized and presented in this review of cases. (3) Results: In total, 10 cases were identified. The analysis showed that mainly young adults (median age = 24.5 years), in particular men (80%) were affected. The three parts of the cardiovascular system affected were heart rhythm (42%), myocardial function (33%), and coronary arteries (25%). In 3 cases the outcome was fatal. Moreover, preexisting health conditions and/or potential trigger factors were present in 60% of selected cases. (4) Conclusions: This review of case reports suggests that the simultaneous consumption of EDs and alcohol can lead to adverse cardiovascular health events and even incidents with fatal outcomes were reported. Potential trigger factors and preexisting health conditions seem to increase the probability of adverse cardiovascular health events. Consumers should be informed about the potential risks and follow responsible consumption behavior to prevent future health events. More systematic studies are needed to determine the acute effects on the cardiovascular system in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is known to be a prognostic factor regarding long-term morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to develop a standardized Stair Climbing Test (SCT) with a reliable correlation to spiroergometry and the 6MWT which can be used in healthy children as well as patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and a restricted exercise capacity. (2) Methods: A total of 28 healthy participants aged 10–18 years were included. We tested the individuals' CRF by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill, the 6MWT, and a newly developed Stair Climbing Test (SCT). For the SCT, we defined a standardized SCT protocol with a total height of 13.14 m to achieve maximal exercise effects while recording time and vital parameters. To compare the SCT, the 6 Min Walking Test, and CPET, we introduced an SCT-Index that included patient data (weight, height) and time. To assess the SCT's feasibility for clinical practice, we also tested our protocol with five adolescents with complex congenital heart disease (i.e., Fontan circulation). (3) Results: A strong correlation was observed between SCT-Index and O2 pulse (r = 0.921; p < 0.001). In addition, when comparing the time achieved during SCT (tSCT) with VO2max (mL/min/kg) and VO2max (mL/min), strong correlations were found (r = −0.672; p < 0.001 and r = −0.764; p < 0.001). Finally, we determined a very strong correlation between SCT-Index and VO2max (mL/min) (r = 0.927; p = <0.001). When comparing the 6MWD to tSCT, there was a moderate correlation (r = −0.544; p = 0.003). It appears to be feasible in patients with Fontan circulation. (4) Conclusions: We were able to demonstrate that there is a significant correlation between our standardized SCT and treadmill CPET. Therefore, we can say that the SCT can be used as an easy supplement to CPET and in certain contexts, it can also be used as a screening tool when CPET is not available. The advantages would be that the SCT is a simple, quick, cost-effective, and reliable standardized (sub)maximal exercise test to evaluate CRF in healthy children on a routine basis. We can even assume that it can be used in patients with congenital heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial stiffness has received increasing interest as a cardiovascular marker in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). So far, studies on the impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on arterial stiffness have been equivocal. Two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) is a novel, non-invasive method to measure the motion of the vessel wall. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to assess the change in arterial stiffness of the common carotid artery (CCA) measured by 2DST in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A total of 47 patients were included in the study (age 80.04 ± 6.065 years). Peak circumferential strain (CS) was significantly improved after TAVI (4.50 ± 2.292 vs. 5.12 ± 2.958, p = 0.012), as was the peak strain rate (CSR) (0.85 ± 0.567 vs. 1.35 ± 0.710, p = 0.002). Body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hemodynamic parameters were associated with this change. 2DST results did not correlate with aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) or augmentation index normalized to heart rate (AIx@75), suggesting a distinct difference between arterial stiffness of the CCA and other stiffness parameters. 2DST seems to be a promising new tool to assess arterial stiffness in TAVI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to investigate and summarize adverse health events in children and adolescents associated with energy drink (ED) consumption, while also exploring the impact of simultaneous trigger factors and/or preexisting health conditions. We searched the database of PubMed, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for cases associated with ED consumption in minors up to 9 May 2023. The literature written in English met inclusion criteria if patients were <18 years of age and the ED consumption was confirmed. Records, relevant articles, and reports that met all inclusion criteria were fully read by two researchers. In total, 18 cases reporting adverse health events were included. Of those, 45% affected the cardiovascular system, 33% the neuropsychological system, and 22% other organ systems. In 33% of cases, additional triggers were reported. In 44% preexisting health conditions were present. This literature review suggests that ED intake may well be associated with adverse health events in minors. The cardiovascular and the neuropsychiatric systems seem to be predisposed. ED consumption in combination with potential trigger factors or in the presence of preexisting health conditions appears to be critical. To prevent adverse health events in the future, children and adolescents should be informed about risk factors and responsible consumption behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turner syndrome (TS) is a rare chromosomal disease with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of physical activity and diet quality on cardiovascular morbidity in German TS women. An anonymous online questionnaire was established. The questionnaire was based on the 2020 WHO recommendations on physical activity and sedentary behaviour and included the 14-Item Mediterranean Diet Assessment Tool. In addition, TS patients were asked about existing cardiovascular conditions. In total, 83 TS women were included in the final analysis. The achievement of <600 Metabolic Equivalent-minutes per week for recreational activities was significantly associated with the presence of arterial hypertension (p = 0.006). High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was achieved by only 20.5% of TS subjects and tended to be inversely associated with the presence of lipid metabolism disorders (p = 0.063). Only 37.3% of TS participants received nutritional counselling. Given the increased cardiovascular risk, specific counselling for lifestyle optimisation may play an important role in the management of TS. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of regular aerobic physical training and different nutritional programs on cardiovascular morbidity in TS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular function is impaired in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). The impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on endothelial function is inconclusive so far. Therefore, we sought to assess the short-term influence of TAVI on endothelial dysfunction in patients with AS. We recruited 47 patients (76.6 % male, 80.04 years old) with AS scheduled for TAVI. Endothelial function was assessed by fingertip reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). Measurements were conducted one day before and three days after TAVI. Patients were grouped according to RH-PAT change after TAVI. Overall, RH-PAT measurements did not significantly improve after TAVI (Reactive Hyperemia Index: 1.5 vs 1.6, p = 0.883; logarithm of the Reactive Hyperemia Index: 0.44 vs. 0.49, p = 0.523). Interestingly, patients with no RH-PAT improvement after TAVI displayed a more severe AS and had lower blood pressure after TAVI. This might be due to a more disturbed blood flow in patients with a smaller aortic valve area and higher peak aortic valve velocity. The relationship between AS severity, endothelial dysfunction and TAVI has to be investigated in future research that apply longitudinal study designs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The author(s) declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Studies suggest that men who undergo assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease; however, limited data on this matter is available. This observational pilot study aimed to investigate the overall vascular health of fathers with history of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) compared to fathers whose partners conceived spontaneously., Methods: Diet quality, physical activity, sedentary behavior as well as overall vascular function including the assessment of pulse wave analysis, intima-media thickness (cIMT), arterial stiffness of the common carotid artery (CCA) and blood lipids, were evaluated., Results: A total of 34 fathers with history of ICSI and 29 controls (48.49 [46.32 - 57.09] years vs. 47.19 [40.62 - 55.18] years, p  = 0.061) were included. After adjusting for age, no significantly increased cardiovascular risk was detected regarding vascular function., Conclusions: The results suggest an unaltered cardiovascular risk profile in fathers with history of ICSI. In the future, prospective multicenter studies are required to validate these preliminary results.

Arterial stiffness has received increasing interest as a cardiovascular marker in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). So far, studies on the impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on arterial stiffness have been equivocal. Two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) is a novel, non-invasive method to measure the motion of the vessel wall. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to assess the change in arterial stiffness of the common carotid artery (CCA) measured by 2DST in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A total of 47 patients were included in the study (age 80.04 ± 6.065 years). Peak circumferential strain (CS) was significantly improved after TAVI (4.50 ± 2.292 vs. 5.12 ± 2.958, p = 0.012), as was the peak strain rate (CSR) (0.85 ± 0.567 vs. 1.35 ± 0.710, p = 0.002). Body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hemodynamic parameters were associated with this change. 2DST results did not correlate with aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) or augmentation index normalized to heart rate (AIx@75), suggesting a distinct difference between arterial stiffness of the CCA and other stiffness parameters. 2DST seems to be a promising new tool to assess arterial stiffness in TAVI patients.

Background: To assess (I) the left atrial (LA) size, function and (II) the impact of excess weight on the LA and left ventricular (LV) performance in Turner syndrome (TS) patients., Methods: Twenty-five TS patients without congenital heart disease (CHD) and 19 healthy, age-matched controls underwent three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) for LA volume measurements and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) for LA strain measurements. LV performance was measured through LV Tei-index, indexed isovolumetric contraction (ICT/√RR interval), indexed relaxation (IVRT/√RR interval) and indexed filling time (FT/√RR interval)., Results: Compared to healthy controls, normal-weight TS patients (n=16) displayed significantly increased heart rate (92.88±16.66 vs. 76.53±15.65 bpm; P=0.005), reduced indexed LV filling time (11.67±2.55 vs. 15.16±5.07; P=0.018), reduced 3D maximum LA volume at LV end systole/BSA (16.74±5.00 vs. 19.89±4.32 mL/m 2 ; P=0.05), reduced 3D LA total emptying volume/BSA [10.04 (5.05/18.46) vs. 13.11 (7.69/18.46) mL/m 2 ; P=0.001] and reduced 3D LA active emptying volume/BSA [2.61 (0.1/3.82) vs. 3.44 (1.64/6.37) mL/m 2 ; P=0.006]. Compared to normal-weight TS patients, overweight/obese TS patients (n=9) showed impaired LV Tei-index [0.38 (0.26/0.55) vs. 0.27 (0.07/0.41); P=0.009], prolonged indexed IVRT (2.04±0.72 vs. 1.30±0.64; P=0.015), prolonged indexed ICT [1.96 (1.57/2.73) vs. 1.29 (0.35/2.69); P=0.009] and increased 3D LA active emptying volume/BSA (3.38±1.21 vs. 2.29±1.07 mL/m 2 ; P=0.032)., Conclusions: Normal-weight TS patients with increased heart rate and reduced LV filling time display subtle LV diastolic dysfunction in the form of reduced LA reservoir and pump function. Manifested systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction among overweight TS patients is partially compensated through an increase in LA active pump function., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://qims.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/qims-21-515/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2022 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)